The military drone command control center to be built at the Horsham Air Station could be a real shot in the arm to the former Willow Grove Naval Air facility, but experts say the new high tech ground control facility may come with some security concerns.
"If you can draw the line back from force projection aboard to that facility," terrorism expert Ed Turzanski of the Foreign Policy Institute told FOX 29. "I could see where some people would be concerned."
While Turzanski, a counter terrorism expert, says controlling military drones in action half a world away makes sense here, neighbors do have some worries about security.
"Could be a target if they're doing that," said Angel Marrone, whose son owns a business nearby. "Like terrorists, I would worry about them coming over something like that."
"I would imagine the security protocols are going to be quite tight," Turzanski said. "Some of the kinds of more elaborate or dangerous uses of drones may not be necessarily tied to that facility. That tends to be in hardened military facilities, far away from civilian population centers."
The Air Force and the Pennsylvania National Guard's 111th Fighter Wing both say the new mission here will focus on remotely controlled aircraft, such as the MQ-9 Reaper drone. A demonstration video shows pilots housed in a virtual cockpit operating drones thousands of miles away. A two person team will help control drones around the world. No drones will fly out of this base.
"That will be great for the economy in this area," said Mark Howard who works near the base.
The drone program will create 250 new jobs, 75 of them full-time positions. It will boost the local economy, which has suffered since Willow Grove's closure in 2011.
Turzanski says progress is worth the price.
"I would say that if someone is looking to buy and they get a good price on a house, they should still buy. I think they'll be safe," he explained. "This is an investment in the region and it's only going to grow. So it's a good thing.
The drone command center is expected to be in place in October.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:48 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:48:26 GMT
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:04:25 GMT
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
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Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:01:25 GMT
Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
Saturday, May 25 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-25 15:00:47 GMT
A South New Jersey business owner comes face to face with a suspected robber threatening him with a knife. Thanks to his 7-year-old family pet, the crook ran off.
A South New Jersey business owner comes face to face with a suspected robber threatening him with a knife. Thanks to his 7-year-old family pet, the crook ran off.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:08 PM EDT2013-05-24 23:08:04 GMT
Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed.
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Friday, May 24 2013 5:48 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:48:26 GMT
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:30 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:30:28 GMT
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a fabulous Summer season. From the relaxing beaches to the famous boardwalk, Ocean City is safe, clean and has some of the best food
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a spectacular Summer season.
A new drone command center is expected to be in place at the Horsham Air Station by October.
